As back-to-school approaches, custodians are facing the daunting task of keeping the environment sanitized and safe for students, teachers, and visitors, as people are constantly coming and going. Getting ahead of the game is one way to stay prepared for the challenges that heavy traffic and changing weather bring.

As part of your cleaning protocols, consider these five steps to getting – and keeping – schools clean and healthy this fall:

1. Clean, sanitize, and disinfect: While these terms are often used interchangeably, they are in fact separate steps in the process. Daily cleaning can be done multiple times a day to remove dirt and germs, while sanitizing removes germs from surfaces, and disinfecting kills any remaining germs.
2. Make hand hygiene accessible: Make hand sanitizer easily accessible in high-traffic areas and washrooms to encourage staff and students to practice hand hygiene. Make it easy to find and follow with clear signage.
3. Keep your custodial closet full: Keep supplies stocked so custodial staff have everything they need to keep the building clean and safe when they need it.
4. Use proper matting: As the weather changes, matting is vital in saving dirt and germs from being tracked through the school, as well as helping to protect the floors from damage. Adding mats to the entrances and all high-traffic areas will help custodians maintain cleanliness throughout the school.
5. Revisit training: Ensure that your training programs are up to date, offer refresher training, and educate all new staff for the best and most efficient results.

There are a few other elements that you may need to consider when prioritizing cleanliness and safety in schools:

• Improve indoor air quality (IAQ) by minimizing moisture and contaminants from the air. This may include changing HVAC filters, servicing your equipment, and increasing the frequency of vacuuming to minimize the levels of air pollutants.
• Engage students and staff in the process by encouraging them to clean and sanitize their lunch tables when they leave. You might even suggest some fun ways to get everyone involved by scheduling locker cleanout days to minimize the risk of mould or pests, and hosting contests for the cleanest classrooms.
• Ensure that there are garbage and recycling collecting receptacles all around the inside and outside of the school so garbage stays where it can be easily contained and collected.

As back-to-school looms and custodial staff are working hard to get ready, these protocols will help keep buildings clean and safe throughout the year.